This weekend we took our second staycation of the summer. What is a staycation you might be asking? A staycation is a mini vacation where you stay in town (or at home). For us that means heading to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. There are several reasons why we've become addicted to the overnight staycation.First off is the hotel. When was the last time you went to a hotel and enjoyed some of the amenities they offer? My guess is never. For adults, hotels are places to stay while we're on the road or visiting cool destinations. But when you visit cool destinations (ex: Disney World), it seems you're pressed for time. We stayed at a beautiful resort in Florida last year, and never once had a chance to even swim. That was a bummer for my kids since they LOVE hotels! Hotels are the funnest and most memorable part of a vacation for a child. What's not to like? There's a bed you can usually jump on a few times before you get yelled at. Glass elevators and escalators, the need for trips down the hall for ice, fun new bathrooms, indoor pools in the winter. Okay, I think you get the idea. Hotels are super cool to kids!
Second, we love that there really isn't much of a drive. It takes us about 35 minutes to get to the Anatole. Right about the time the kids decide to start repetitively asking "are we there yet?", we are pulling in. Not to mention that you don't need to plan ahead with oil changes, gas fill ups, etc.
Second, we love that there really isn't much of a drive. It takes us about 35 minutes to get to the Anatole. Right about the time the kids decide to start repetitively asking "are we there yet?", we are pulling in. Not to mention that you don't need to plan ahead with oil changes, gas fill ups, etc.
For us, the Anatole is also positioned closer to "new and different" things to do. Since we were staying close to downtown, we ate dinner at El Fenix which is super yummy! Plus, my husband and kids had never been. Although, being close to downtown has a few drawbacks, such as the strong smell of pee outside the restaurant. :)
The third reason we love the staycation, is the leisurely mornings. With no rushing to get back on the road, we enjoyed a full breakfast and swam in the indoor pool while it poured down rain outside. I even got to soak in the hot tub! Then we packed up (but didn't make our beds!!) and headed to the Dallas World Aquarium right down the road. The aquarium was lots of fun and a great indoor activity with all of the rain.
Finally, the trip home was quick and there was not a pile of laundry to wash, that's a win-win for me.
Have you tried a staycation? What did you do? Will you do another?
The third reason we love the staycation, is the leisurely mornings. With no rushing to get back on the road, we enjoyed a full breakfast and swam in the indoor pool while it poured down rain outside. I even got to soak in the hot tub! Then we packed up (but didn't make our beds!!) and headed to the Dallas World Aquarium right down the road. The aquarium was lots of fun and a great indoor activity with all of the rain.
Finally, the trip home was quick and there was not a pile of laundry to wash, that's a win-win for me.
Have you tried a staycation? What did you do? Will you do another?
1 comment:
Ah, that is a very cool idea! We stayed in about dozen hotels this summer over the course of 6k miles driven around the country. That wasn't nearly as relaxing as what you've described. I met a couple at a Residence Inn who was doing just what you described with their 4 kids. I thought it sounded like a pretty novel way to get out and enjoy themselves without breaking the bank. Excellent.
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